Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Olajide Ojuko has re-emphasized the importance of establishing Chieftaincy Tribunal as a way of checkmating and resolving chieftaincy related disputes affecting traditional institutions in the State.
Chief Ojuko made this known during the visit of the House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as part of their oversight functions to the Ministry in Oke-Mosan.
The Commissioner said the present administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun would not rest on its oars at repositioning the State Traditional Council for better performance and grassroots developments as it plays a key role in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the State.
He pointed out that the intention of the Government was to ensure accelerated hearing of chieftaincy cases so that meaningful development could spread across various communities in the State, disclosing that due to many years of court proceedings, many towns and communities were yet to install either chief or baale.
"As a result of court proceedings which lasted for years, many communities lose out in the scheme of development, but with the establishment of Chieftaincy Tribunals, matters affecting traditional institutions would not only receive accelerated hearing but will also be gazetted " Ojuko said.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, it’s Chairman, Hon. Olusola Sonuga commended the efforts of the Ministry for living up to its statutory responsibilities at ensuring adequate supervision and monitoring of the activities of the 20 local government areas in the State.
He also urged the Ministry to step up its human capacity development drives by organizing seminars and workshops for the staffers of the Local Government Councils so as to meet up with the various challenges in the sector.
He however promised to speed up the hearing of the Chieftaincy Tribunal bill when it is presented to the House of Assembly for approval.
